People would reject Sena-BJP even if label is changed: NCP

Nawab Malik says Shiv Sena-BJP alliance was they termed 'yuti' (alliance in Marathi), to which was added RPI, which then called itself 'maha-yuti'

Reacting on proposal to form a Maharashtra Democratic Alliance by state BJP chief Devendra Phadanvis's to oust the ruling Congress-NCP government, NCP today said people would not support communal forces even if they come with a new label.

NCP spokesperson Nawab Malik said Shiv Sena-BJP already had an alliance, which they termed 'yuti' (alliance in Marathi), to which was added RPI (Athavale faction) which then called itself 'maha-yuti' (grand alliance).

"Some BJP leaders are pleading with MNS to join the alliance. There is no clarity about what is MDA. Which new parties are going to join them?" Malik asked, addressing media here.

"We would welcome new permutations and combinations in the opposition camp. They can change labels, however communal forces have no place in this state," he said.

Phadanvis, the new state BJP chief, earlier this week floated the idea of MDA, on the lines of NDA. "All other parties (besides BJP-Sena-RPI) who feel that Congress-NCP should be ousted should take initiative to come together so that there is no division of opposition votes," he said.

However, Malik pointed out that Sena president Uddhav Thackeray had side-stepped the question when asked yesterday about the idea, giving rise to speculation on whether Shiv Sena would be a part of such a grouping. He also referred to Uddhav's statement welcoming the defeat of "anti-Marathi" BJP government in Karnataka.

When pointed out that Uddhav hadn't exulted in Congress's victory, Malik said, "We don't know about Uddhav's sadness at Congress's victory in Karnataka. But he surely has no problem with Chief Minister Prithviraj Chavan. Uddhav's personal assistant is frequently seen in Chavan's company, especially during legislature sessions.